Hallowed Dreams Shatters Track Record at Fair Grounds

Hallowed Dreams led at every call on the way to earning her fourth straight victory since suffering her lone career defeat, breaking the track record for six furlongs while winning the $125,000 Victoria Lass Handicap by 5 1/4 lengths on Saturday at Fair Grounds. The win improves the career mark of the Louisiana-bred filly to 20 wins from 21 starts.

Under her regular rider Sylvester Carmouche, Hallowed Dreams stopped the timer in 1:08.34 on a fast track. The previous track record of 1:08 4/5 was held by Malagra -- Hallowed Dreams' sire -- and three others.

Hallowed Dreams earned little respect from some during her record-tying run of 16 straight wins with which she began her career. Many questioned the level of competition she faced while racing in Louisiana, often in fields restricted to fellow state breds. Saturday's performance – her seventh stakes win against open company – should leave little doubt as to her abilities.

"Mr. Lloyd (Romero, who trains Hallowed Dreams and co-owns her along with Johnny Gaspard) told me to ride her two to three jumps past the wire and finish good," Carmouche said.

"We were hitting for the track record today," Romero said. "She has been working good and was sharp today. We are going to wait and see what to do. She belongs here in Louisiana and the people here love this horse. She might be worth a million (dollars) now."